East Stroudsburg Softball Little League FAQs

Do I have to tryout to join a team?

No. In order to join a team, you only need to register. East Stroudsburg Softball Little League (ESSLL) focuses on supporting each player to learn the foundation of softball and strengthen an understanding of the sport. We’re focused on building skills and enhancing talents, ensuring that every girls who is parts of ESSLL has a love of the game. 

 

Where can I learn the rules of softball? 

ESSLL is part of Little League International and we follow the Little League rules and regulations which can be found https://www.littleleague.org/playing-rules/little-league-rulebook-app/. 

While the rules are important, it’s also important to understand the strategy of the game. You can learn more in the Resources section of our website. 

 

How old do I need to be to play? 

Per the Little League rules, any girls who are aged 4 through 16 are eligible to play. The division you play for in a spring season is determined by the age of a player on December 31st prior to that spring season. 

The year in which a player turns 17 is her last year to play. In other words, if a player is 16 on December 31st, she is eligible to play in the following spring season. However if she is 17 on December 31st, she is not eligible to play the following spring. 

You can use this chart to find out your league age:

https://www.littleleague.org/downloads/2024-softball-age-chart/

 

I’ve never played before. Will that be an issue?

No! We love helping new players learn all about softball. Some of our most experienced players stepped on the field and didn’t know anything about softball. You should see them now! Please don’t let a lack of experience stop you. We will guide you and help you learn what you need to know in order to be successful. 

 

What do I need to be a part of the league? 

A good attitude and a hard work ethic. Talent and desire get you on the field. Your grit and determination will determine how far you can go. Also, be prepared to commit to your team. Softball is a team sport. One player missing practices and games impacts the entire team. 

Lastly, you'll need to register during the registration period and pay any registration fees. Some families may be eligible for a T-Mobile Call-Up Grant that covers up to $150 of the registration fees. You can find more information about this under the Resources section of this website. 

 

What type of equipment will I need?

In general, you’ll need softball cleats (see below), a face mask and glove. Each practice, you’ll want to be in comfortable clothing that you can move in and that is protective of your skin. You’ll also want to have a water bottle. 

Softball Cleats
For the Instructional, Minors and Majors divisions, rubber softball cleats are required.
For players on the Senior team, metal cleats are allowed. 

Bats
If you choose to purchase your own softball bat, it must be ASA compliant. To know if your bat meets Little League standards, you can review the requirements here.  

*If this is your first time playing softball, speak to your coach as we do have limited equipment that we can lend out. 

 

How often do you practice?

Most coaches practice at least twice a week during the evenings. The days and times will be determined by your coach. Once the actual season starts (Spring or Fall), we can then provide more accurate details regarding the timing of practices, based on our coaches' schedules, team rosters and game schedule. 

Schedules cannot be confirmed until the season begins, as team rosters must be finalized, and coaches, who volunteer for this role while managing full-time jobs, need to coordinate their schedules accordingly. Please be prepared for schedules to change during the season due to conflicts with games, cancellations due to weather and other situations outside of our control. 

 

How often are games played?

Games are held on weeknights and weekends. You can expect at least two games a week, depending on your division. 

The days and times will be determined by the league schedule which is published closer to the start of the season. Once the actual season starts (Spring or Fall), we can then provide more accurate details regarding the expected dates and times of games. 

Schedules cannot be confirmed until the season begins, as team rosters must be finalized, and coaches, who volunteer for this role while managing full-time jobs, need to coordinate their schedules accordingly. Please be prepared for schedules to change during the season due to cancellations due to weather and other situations outside of our control. 

 

Do I need to know what position I want to play?

If there is a position you would like to try, let your coach know. Knowing what position you want to play is not a requirement. Your coach will work with you to identify your strengths and determine what position would be a good fit. 

 

What are the timeframes of the seasons? 

For Spring, ESSLL starts in April weather-permitting and typically runs through June. Sometimes the end date may change if we need to meet the required number of games in order to qualify for certain tournaments. 

For the Fall season, we start practicing at the end of August and run practice and games through the end of October. 

We also have Winter Clinics that start in January and run until April. Our clinics help to keep the girls in top condition for Spring. 

 

What else do I need to know?

We want your softball experience to be a fun one. Talent and skill gets you on the field, a great attitude makes you a winner. Work hard, play hard and you'll be a success. 

 

I have other questions. Who can I reach out to?

We would love to hear from you!. 

Email at [email protected]

Instagram @EastStroudsburgSoftball